What is the Unit of Empowerment? An Ecological Perspective

Keith R. Skene (Lead / Corresponding author)

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    3 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    This article sets out to examine the meaning of empowerment in social work theory and approaches this task by asking what is the unit of empowerment? The article begins by exploring the spectrum of definitions of empowerment and of power, recognising the latter as the root concept of empowerment. Three units of empowerment are then identified: the individual, societal and ecological. Two forms of ecological empowerment, weak and strong, are detailed. It is then argued that empowerment is best understood from a strong ecological perspective. We define ecological empowerment as the liberation of the Earth system, so as to optimise its functioning, and, in turn, empower all levels of its organisation, including societies and individuals. The article ends with an exploration of the implications of such integration at a policy level relating to all actors in a social work setting.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)498-517
    Number of pages20
    JournalBritish Journal of Social Work
    Volume52
    Issue number1
    Early online date8 Feb 2021
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Jan 2022

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